A new piece of my life puzzle is in place. I graduated with my MA in Spiritual Formation!!

This last two years of study has been challenging, but it’s also been self-revealing, confirming, and life-expanding. I had known for a number of years that I wanted to complete my MA degree, and I had felt God directing me toward this specific degree since 2005. However, I didn’t feel in my spirit that the timing was right to begin this program until 2014. My children and family life have been my priority, but this felt right, and God carried me through each class, assignment, reading, and discussion post.

I mean that in all seriousness. I prayed continually throughout my coursework. There were times I had anxiety attacks and writer’s block. Sometimes I would have an assignment that was due within an hour and I had would have no direction on how to address the topic. I would pray and just type. Some of those assignments were my best grades. I called on friends through emails or texts, sending out an SOS for prayer to get me past anxiety problems from trying to balance working full-time, taking classes, and attempting to be present for my family. In the midst of it all, I learned to better care for myself and to prioritize my life better. I also have learned to trust God more fully.

I thank God for His presence and work in me during this time. I also thank God for friends and family who carried me through this, supported and encouraged me, and allowed me the time and space to accomplish all that was needed for each day. I want to specifically thank some very important people:

My husband, Tom West, for supporting my efforts and taking on more duties with chores and running our kids around, and for giving me space to grow as an individual.

My kids, Taylor, Noah, and Jenna, for being my cheerleaders and for putting up with minimal homecooked meals and understanding that I needed time to read, study, listen to lectures, and sleep when I was exhausted.

My friends who listened to me, reminded me to breathe, gave me advice, critiqued some of my ideas, coached me and spurred me on in my dreams and personal goals, ate breakfast with me, prayed for me, and too many other helpful things to remember or list….Sheila, Mindy, Dennis, Amy, Heidi, Steve, Jeff, Anita, Bob, Scott, Angie, Chris, Becky, Wendy, Christian, Kathy Weaver, Kathie Harding, Duke, Missy, Rhonda, Sonya, Lori, Christine, Stacy, Shanna, Samantha, Danny, Jen M, Jen F, Bob & Annie, Troy and Christa, and my siblings, Eric, Ann, Becky, and Roger.

My mentor, Kendra, who gave me countless suggestions and a listening ear.

My heart is full, and I am blessed! Thank you all!

Now, I’m finding a new normal and making plans for the future. Please check out my new page on this website and let me know if you have any referrals for me or would like me to send you a business card to give someone. I’m hoping to begin taking clients for spiritual life coaching in June. Give me a call if you have questions.